Director Materials Planning

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Materials Planning to lead and optimize our end-to-end materials planning and procurement function. This leadership role is responsible for aligning materials sourcing and inventory strategies with product development, merchandising, and production schedules to ensure optimal availability of raw materials, trims, and components across our apparel categories. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in demand planning, supplier management, and inventory optimization in a fast-paced, fashion-driven retail environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Develop and lead the overall materials planning strategy to support seasonal and long-term business goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, merchandising, production, sourcing, and logistics to align planning efforts with product and sales forecasts.
• Lead a team of materials planners and analysts, providing coaching, performance management, and leadership development.

Materials Planning & Procurement

• Forecast material requirements based on style-level demand plans, sales trends, and seasonal calendars.
• Manage raw material commitments across multiple vendors and categories, ensuring timely delivery to support production schedules.
• Drive visibility and control over materials inventory throughout the supply chain—from mill to factory to DC.

Inventory Optimization

• Monitor inventory levels and turnover of raw materials to minimize excess, obsolescence, and write-offs.
• Optimize raw material lead times, MOQ (minimum order quantities), and safety stock levels.
• Implement tools and analytics to improve demand forecasting accuracy and materials utilization.

Vendor & Supplier Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with mills and trim suppliers to ensure reliability, flexibility, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with the sourcing team on vendor negotiation, cost management, and supply continuity.
• Evaluate supplier performance and lead vendor scorecard initiatives.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance planning accuracy, responsiveness, and transparency.
• Partner with IT and operations to evaluate and optimize ERP and planning tools (e.g., PLM, MRP, APS systems).
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in materials lifecycle management.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in materials planning or supply chain roles, preferably in the apparel or fashion industry.
• 5+ years in a leadership or people management capacity.
• Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, supply chains, and seasonal planning cycles.
• Proficiency with planning systems and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder, PLM, Excel).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred:

• Experience working with global sourcing and offshore manufacturing partners.
• Familiarity with sustainable sourcing and circular materials initiatives.
• Track record of driving measurable improvements in planning accuracy and working capital efficiency.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Execution
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Supply Chain Analytics & Forecasting
• Negotiation & Vendor Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Agility in Fast-paced Retail Environments